16, 000 New Yorkers Sought Aid from Jewish Family Service in 1961

January 17, 1962

LAKE WOOD, N.J (Jan. 16)

Some 16, 000 Jewish families in New York City sought help last year from the Jewish Family Service there, it was disclosed here today by Rabbi Fred Hollander, assistant professor of postoral psychology at Yeshiva University.

Addressing the conference of the Rabbinical Council of America, which is taking place here, Rabbi Hollander said that “these families, consisting of some 60, 000 husbands, wives and children, reflect in a very conservative estimate, the number of Jewish families throughout the country, who require help and guidance in leading emotionally healthier lives.”

Citing the strengthening of family ties as the cornerstone of western civilization, he told the 500 Orthodox rabbis attending the conference that “the rabbi can provide people with the resources which will enable them to establish the family as a source of mature living. “

Gustav Stern, chairman of the Rabbinical Court Corporation, told the rabbis that the Rabbinical Court was “founded on the precept that unity in the Jewish family is a direct resultant of the traditional emphasis of social justice, Torah directed behavior and collective responsibility.” He hailed the “magnificent cooperation which the Rabbinical Court has received from Governmental and social welfare agencies in overcoming the opposition of willful and obstinate spouses who refused to consider the granting of needed religious divorces.”

Mr. Stern was honored by the Council for “his selfless dedication to the principles of Orthodox Judaism by helping in the creation of the Rabbinical Court. ” The Rabbinical Council will launch a “massive Torah tour of leading American colleges for the purpose of spreading the basic tenets and ideals of religion and Orthodox Judaism” among Jewish students, it was announced here by Rabbi Abraham N. Avrutick, first vice-president of the organization.